fbpx

Runner bean chutney

Garden owner Liz Pearce uses her tomatoes, onions and garlic to make a sauce which she freezes and uses as a basis for chilli, bolognese and pasta throughout the winter. However, it’s her runner bean chutney which has proved to be a real winner and is always in great demand with her son’s Uni mates, who devour it eagerly!

Instructions

  1. Trim the ends of the beans and any stringy bits on the sides. Cut diagonally into ½ cm pieces Bring a large pan of water to the boil and cook the beans for around 3 mins to soften slightly. Drain and plunge into a bowl of iced water, leave to cool for 5 mins, then drain and set aside.
  2. Put the pan back on the hob and cook the onions in 350 ml of vinegar over a medium-low heat for 15 minutes to soften, stirring occasionally. Add the sugar and 250 ml of the remaining vinegar and cook for 2 mins more.
  3. Combine the turmeric, mustard seeds and powder with the cornflour, a good pinch of salt and the remaining 100 ml vinegar. Mix well then tip into the onion mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 3 mins to thicken, then add the beans.
  4. Bring to the boil, then turn the heat down and simmer for 30 mins, stirring regularly until the beans are tender but have a slight bite and the chutney has thickened slightly.
  5. Remove from the heat and decant into sterilised jars. Keeps for about 3 months.

_________________________

If you enjoyed this content please consider making a donation to help us continue to support our nursing and health beneficiaries.

Click here for more great
Christmas content

  • 1.2 kg runner beans
  • 3 large onions chopped
  • 700ml white wine vinegar
  • 400g light brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp ground tumeric
  • 1.5 tbsp mustard seeds
  • 0.5 tbsp English mustard powder
  • 65g cornflour

 

Don’t miss a thing

Sign up to hear more about gardens, events and our
activities throughout the year

By completing this form, you confirm that you are aged 18 years or over and that you are happy to receive emails from the National Garden Scheme in accordance with our Privacy Policy. We will never share your details with anyone else without your express permission.

 

?

Our donations in 2025

Donor 1
Donor 2 £475,000
Donor 3 £450,000
Donor 4 £450,000
Donor 5 £450,000
Donor 6 £450,000
Donor 7 £450,000
Donor 8
Donor 9 £125,000
Donor 10 £110,000
Donor 11 £80,000
Donor 12 £35,000
Donor 13 £320,000
Donor 14 £288,876